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The Lightless Sky: An Afghan Refugee Boy's Journey of Escape to A New Life in Britain
'To risk my life had to mean something. Otherwise what was it all for?' Gulwali Passarlay was sent away from Afghanistan at the age of twelve, after his father was killed in a gun battle with the US army for hiding Taliban fighters. Smuggled into Iran, Gulwali began a twelve month odyssey across Europe, spending time in prisons, suffering hunger, cruelty, brutality, nearly drowning in a tiny boat on the Mediterranean. Somehow he survived, and made it to Britain, no longer an innocent child but still a boy of twelve. Here in Britain he was fostered, sent to a good school, won a place at a top university, and was chosen to carry the Olympic torch in 2012. He wants to tell his story - to bring to life the plight of the thousands of men, women and children who risk their lives to leave behind the troubles of their homelands. Many die along the way, some are sent back to face imprisonment and possible death, some survive and make it here, to a country which offers them the chance of a life of freedom and opportunity. One boy's story is the central story of our times, and this memoir celebrates the triumph of courage and determination over adversity.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2015
258 people are currently reading
3834 people want to read
About the author
Gulwali Passarlay
2 books47 followersGulwali Passarlay was sent away from Afghanistan as a young boy, fleeing the conflict that had claimed his father's life. After an extraordinarily tortuous journey across eight countries, Gulwali arrived in the UK a year later and has devoted his new life to education. Now twenty-one years old, he is set to graduate from the University of Manchester with a degree in Philosophy and Politics. Gulwali is a member of many prestigious political, aid, and youth groups, each a stepping stone to his ultimate goal: to run for Presidency of Afghanistan. In 2012 he was invited to carry the Olympic Torch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
February 5, 2016
This journey makes you think, just how lucky you are, how privileged and how resourceful. And its all because you happened to be born in a particular culture. Its all down to a mere chance of birth. Its not how you were conceived, its where you were born and you did not have anything to do with it, at all.
All through the journey, two kinds of people emerge. The desperate refugee and an equally desperate host. The refugee is constantly hoping for salvation, willing to compromise with any situation, battle hunger and fatigue, put up with all kinds of deprivations to claim his place among the privileged lot. While his host will fan the fire of the refugee's hope, keeping his expectation flaming constantly before passing him to the next host in the chain. This totally illegal and underground refugee travel industry resilient and dare I say pretty effective. As the refugees once they have paid their handler are not required to strictly pay at any stop on the whole route. I read the whole story with complete fascination. I have myself met an eleven year old Afghan boy who had made a similar journey and lived to tell the tale.
So where do I find myself in the whole refugee debate? Should they be accepted or refused?
I think by the end I was still squarely sitting on the fence.
One thing was abundantly clear. Anyone who is able to put up with this hell of a journey cannot and will not be convinced to go back. Extended torture on his journey has fortified his resolution to 'make it' even further. So there is no point in the privileged lot expecting any refugee to return. On the other hand, each refugee has to learn to understand and accept the culture of his privileged host. There is no point in sticking to the same values which have indeed destroyed his own country to begin with.
So there is both the privileged and the refugee could do with a bit of empathy to each other.
Easier said than done but this book is a most valuable addition to the whole debate as there are very few stories from the refugee side.
All through the journey, two kinds of people emerge. The desperate refugee and an equally desperate host. The refugee is constantly hoping for salvation, willing to compromise with any situation, battle hunger and fatigue, put up with all kinds of deprivations to claim his place among the privileged lot. While his host will fan the fire of the refugee's hope, keeping his expectation flaming constantly before passing him to the next host in the chain. This totally illegal and underground refugee travel industry resilient and dare I say pretty effective. As the refugees once they have paid their handler are not required to strictly pay at any stop on the whole route. I read the whole story with complete fascination. I have myself met an eleven year old Afghan boy who had made a similar journey and lived to tell the tale.
So where do I find myself in the whole refugee debate? Should they be accepted or refused?
I think by the end I was still squarely sitting on the fence.
One thing was abundantly clear. Anyone who is able to put up with this hell of a journey cannot and will not be convinced to go back. Extended torture on his journey has fortified his resolution to 'make it' even further. So there is no point in the privileged lot expecting any refugee to return. On the other hand, each refugee has to learn to understand and accept the culture of his privileged host. There is no point in sticking to the same values which have indeed destroyed his own country to begin with.
So there is both the privileged and the refugee could do with a bit of empathy to each other.
Easier said than done but this book is a most valuable addition to the whole debate as there are very few stories from the refugee side.
January 30, 2019
There's very little I can add to this thread of reviews that hasn't already been mentioned. However, If I could say two things to aid someone who's read this book, then it would be this:
1. Get clued up on the politics and policies of your country. I'm taking a hardline stand on this because it's part of a wider problem. We aren't experiencing a refugee crisis because people want to leave their countries. It's because other countries are destabilising regions like Afghanistan. I won't get into it on here, but please commit yourself to understanding this.
2. Look for ways to help end this. We as a people can pressure our governments to stop this from happening. Everything helps: from a small donation of money; to a taking part in charity campaigns; to a large contribution such as adoption. FIGHT the hateful propaganda the right wing press puts out. These are humans NOT rodents. The agenda of certain aspects of the press is to cover up the fact that our countries have a hand in destabilising these regions and causing this problem.
Only have love in your hearts. Use this book as a way to widen your empathy for your fellow human being and commit to helping in whatever way you can.
1. Get clued up on the politics and policies of your country. I'm taking a hardline stand on this because it's part of a wider problem. We aren't experiencing a refugee crisis because people want to leave their countries. It's because other countries are destabilising regions like Afghanistan. I won't get into it on here, but please commit yourself to understanding this.
2. Look for ways to help end this. We as a people can pressure our governments to stop this from happening. Everything helps: from a small donation of money; to a taking part in charity campaigns; to a large contribution such as adoption. FIGHT the hateful propaganda the right wing press puts out. These are humans NOT rodents. The agenda of certain aspects of the press is to cover up the fact that our countries have a hand in destabilising these regions and causing this problem.
Only have love in your hearts. Use this book as a way to widen your empathy for your fellow human being and commit to helping in whatever way you can.
January 22, 2023
Un copil de 12 ani (la plecare, pentru că are aproape 14 când ajunge) traversează singur 8 țări pentru a scăpa din iadul de acasă. Dar iadul refugiaților seamănă extrem de mult cu cel al lagărelor de exterminare.
Pe lângă multele ocazii în care e aproape de moarte (în trecători abrupte, fugind de poliție și de traficanți, înghesuit în/sub tiruri, naufragiat pe Marea Egee, bătut, bolnav, înfometat), Gulwali descoperă că cel mai greu de îndurat este pierderea demnității umane.
"Umilința era greu de suportat. Multe dintre fețele pe care le vedeam spuneau același lucru. În țările lor de origine, mulți dintre oamenii ăștia aveau putere, bucurându-se chiar de respectul comunității lor. Aici în Junglă [tabără ilegală de refugiați în Calais] abia dacă eram considerați ființe umane. Noi eram animalele care dădeau numele acestui loc.
M-am imaginat alergând către un oficial francez de rang înalt și scuturându-l pentru a-i cere niște răspunsuri. Nu era vina mea că nu mă născusem în Europa. Casa mea era zonă de război - oare asta mă făcea mai puțin om?"
(p. 284).
O lectură dificilă emoțional, dar ușurată mult de scriitura simplă și de ritmul extrem de alert, dincolo de povara înțelesului se citește ca un thriller.
Pe lângă multele ocazii în care e aproape de moarte (în trecători abrupte, fugind de poliție și de traficanți, înghesuit în/sub tiruri, naufragiat pe Marea Egee, bătut, bolnav, înfometat), Gulwali descoperă că cel mai greu de îndurat este pierderea demnității umane.
"Umilința era greu de suportat. Multe dintre fețele pe care le vedeam spuneau același lucru. În țările lor de origine, mulți dintre oamenii ăștia aveau putere, bucurându-se chiar de respectul comunității lor. Aici în Junglă [tabără ilegală de refugiați în Calais] abia dacă eram considerați ființe umane. Noi eram animalele care dădeau numele acestui loc.
M-am imaginat alergând către un oficial francez de rang înalt și scuturându-l pentru a-i cere niște răspunsuri. Nu era vina mea că nu mă născusem în Europa. Casa mea era zonă de război - oare asta mă făcea mai puțin om?"
(p. 284).
O lectură dificilă emoțional, dar ușurată mult de scriitura simplă și de ritmul extrem de alert, dincolo de povara înțelesului se citește ca un thriller.
January 16, 2016
When I first encountered Gulwali, I just thought him as an extremely bright student who loved to engage in lectures. Who knew that this boy in my Politics of Development class had faced and overcame such great obstacles that I could only ever imagine as fictional? I literally had to constantly remind myself while reading that it's all real. It really impressed upon me that every single person walking this Earth has a story and we are almost always in the dark about them. It's so important to be kind and listen to each other. Especially stories like Gulwali's, who can offer us a refreshing perspective on issues that affect us all, whether directly or indirectly.
I'm reminded of the pickpockets in Paris that made my sister twice a victim. On the second occasion, I recall an elderly woman with a slightly loose headcovering. I'm now thinking...what if she was a refugee? It doesn't make theft any more justified, but did she feel the same 'steal or die' desperation for survival? What is the history that brought about her present circumstance? What were her hopes, dreams and desires? It really makes you wonder. What does it say of humanity when those struggling to merely survive exist at the same time and even among those living and thriving?
Gulwali, I admire you all the more for allowing strangers all over the world to know you so intimately without knowing you at all. Thank you for sharing your story. I read the entire thing in your voice. It is powerful. I know you are destined for greatness because you live it already, and all in service for humanity! Above all, I'm still amazed at what you've accomplished while being a uni student - especially in final year! You have made it this far and you mustn't stop moving.
I'm reminded of the pickpockets in Paris that made my sister twice a victim. On the second occasion, I recall an elderly woman with a slightly loose headcovering. I'm now thinking...what if she was a refugee? It doesn't make theft any more justified, but did she feel the same 'steal or die' desperation for survival? What is the history that brought about her present circumstance? What were her hopes, dreams and desires? It really makes you wonder. What does it say of humanity when those struggling to merely survive exist at the same time and even among those living and thriving?
Gulwali, I admire you all the more for allowing strangers all over the world to know you so intimately without knowing you at all. Thank you for sharing your story. I read the entire thing in your voice. It is powerful. I know you are destined for greatness because you live it already, and all in service for humanity! Above all, I'm still amazed at what you've accomplished while being a uni student - especially in final year! You have made it this far and you mustn't stop moving.
November 11, 2015
This is a terrific book, gripping and extremely moving. The last chapters will have you reaching for whatever your equivalent of a tissue box is.
As 12-year-old Gulwali makes his way from Afghanistan to England (at the insistence of his mother, who doesn't want him to become another victim in the endless Afghanistan wars) he suffers hardships and trials that almost seem too incredible. Are some of these stories made up? There's a temptation to think so, but the reality is that for thousands upon thousands of people what he goes through is the norm. The world is going through the biggest migration in human history at present, and while some will make the trip easily, the majority will suffer exceedingly - as Gulwali did - and many will not survive.
Gulwali's 'ghost-writer' Nadene Ghouri does a superb job of bringing together Gulwali's experiences and memories. She admits at the back of the book that not everything may be factual, because Gulwali, being only 12 when he went through all this, wasn't always sure where he was, or what the places he was put in were called. And plainly there are many invented conversations that are typical of what was actually said. The end result, however, is that we have a book that catalogues one person's suffering and makes it stand in for the suffering of hundreds of thousands. How the stories were put together becomes secondary.
We all need to read this book. We may not be able to help refugees or migrants personally, but we can at the very least be compassionate in our thinking about them.
As 12-year-old Gulwali makes his way from Afghanistan to England (at the insistence of his mother, who doesn't want him to become another victim in the endless Afghanistan wars) he suffers hardships and trials that almost seem too incredible. Are some of these stories made up? There's a temptation to think so, but the reality is that for thousands upon thousands of people what he goes through is the norm. The world is going through the biggest migration in human history at present, and while some will make the trip easily, the majority will suffer exceedingly - as Gulwali did - and many will not survive.
Gulwali's 'ghost-writer' Nadene Ghouri does a superb job of bringing together Gulwali's experiences and memories. She admits at the back of the book that not everything may be factual, because Gulwali, being only 12 when he went through all this, wasn't always sure where he was, or what the places he was put in were called. And plainly there are many invented conversations that are typical of what was actually said. The end result, however, is that we have a book that catalogues one person's suffering and makes it stand in for the suffering of hundreds of thousands. How the stories were put together becomes secondary.
We all need to read this book. We may not be able to help refugees or migrants personally, but we can at the very least be compassionate in our thinking about them.
October 9, 2017
Since reading Of Beetles and Angels my heart and mind have been opened to the plight of refugees. This story told in the perspective of a 12 year old boy fleeing Afghanistan tells a story about a boy being thrust into adulthood being smuggled across the Middle East and Europe to ensure he has a chance of living. The irony in all this is that he faced death over the course of a year over 100x. He did this all alone. I learned of the billion dollar underground smuggling business that exists across Afghanistan, Syria, Turkey, Bulgaria, Pakistan and Europe. I also learned just how difficult it is for a refugee who happens to land in Greece or Europe. It's not an easy ride and many have no choice due to war, oppression, poverty. I listened to this in my Audible account and I am glad I did as the names, cities that I ran across were difficult to pronounce and keep track of.
August 17, 2021
Essential reading. Gulwali Passarlay's story demonstrates the absolute best and worst of humanity. It's heartbreaking from beginning to end, to be honest, despite the hope and the perseverance and the care on show, particularly between the migrants that join Gulwali on his journey and who look out for him after he is separated from his brother. I really couldn't recommend it enough. Gulwali is honest and open about his life in Afghanistan, his wretched and devastating journey to the UK, and the shameful and hostile policies he had to navigate on arrival in the UK. He dreams of a world where 'refugee' doesn't exist anymore, where children don't have to be sent alone into hell in the hope of saving their lives. He tells his own story, but also a story much bigger than himself, and it deserves to be read and responded to by as many people as possible.
February 24, 2020
A very powerful read for me as I work with some asylum seekers. This account brought to life the background I have heard from them. Shocking that it takes so many attempts to find safety and how tenuous it remains. What is evident is that there is kindness and empathy to counter the cruelty and inhumanity of others. It is a worry to think in current political climate how much more difficult it will become to seek refuge in the UK.
March 12, 2016
Wow. Wow. Wow. (Hey, three "wows"!) This book was exceptional. Would you like to have a first-hand account of what it is like to be a refugee desperately trying to survive and get somewhere safe? Would you like to understand why all those refugees are fleeing and trying to make it places some would rather they not come to? Have you ever said "Why don't they just all stay in the Middle East?" How do you feel about twelve-year-old children essentially being left on their own in life-threatening situations? On a daily basis? For more than a YEAR? What are the after-effects of the trauma refugees experience? Gulwali Passarlay has written something that seems essential in today's atmosphere of hostility to refugees. I'm so grateful I read it. Not only do I understand the plight of refugees much better, I also got to be inspired by a truly amazing young man. It's high time we quit viewing people as "illegal" and "alien" and started understanding their experiences as refugees and treating them as fellow human beings. If I could give more stars to this I would.
February 16, 2016
This book is well worth reading to enable you to put yourself into the shoes of the refugees now desperately fleeing Syria.
A mother loses her husband in war-torn Afghanistan and realises that her sons will be killed unless they leave the country. She pays 'agents' and her sons embark upon a traumatic journey. This book describes that journey including shipwreck, being smuggled in a train locker and thrown off a moving train, starvation rations, forced marches. It is hard to believe that anyone could survive the cycles of abuse, exploitation, cruelty and hardship. Occasional acts of kindness by strangers keep the author's hope alive. By the end of the book I am left wondering whether the physical deprivations/abuse, terrible though they were, are the least of it. What it does to one's personality, one's ability to trust others or to love them: this damage is terrible. The author's determination not to hate is astounding. He was fortunate in finding his feet in England with the help of people who cared enough to get behind him and take on the home office on his behalf. How many others receive no such help.
Definitely worth reading this book.
A mother loses her husband in war-torn Afghanistan and realises that her sons will be killed unless they leave the country. She pays 'agents' and her sons embark upon a traumatic journey. This book describes that journey including shipwreck, being smuggled in a train locker and thrown off a moving train, starvation rations, forced marches. It is hard to believe that anyone could survive the cycles of abuse, exploitation, cruelty and hardship. Occasional acts of kindness by strangers keep the author's hope alive. By the end of the book I am left wondering whether the physical deprivations/abuse, terrible though they were, are the least of it. What it does to one's personality, one's ability to trust others or to love them: this damage is terrible. The author's determination not to hate is astounding. He was fortunate in finding his feet in England with the help of people who cared enough to get behind him and take on the home office on his behalf. How many others receive no such help.
Definitely worth reading this book.
February 7, 2017
Was lucky enough to meet Gulwali, and receive a signed copy from the great man himself. Just about to start his epic journey ...
Holy shit - no one should have to go through this, yet we expect people to do this and then deny them sanctuary when they reach us. What sort of a world have we created? How do we sleep at night? How has Gulwali turned out to be such a forgiving, generous, balanced adult - he challenges us all to look at ourselves and question our attitudes and actions, or inactions. Thanks Gulwali.
Holy shit - no one should have to go through this, yet we expect people to do this and then deny them sanctuary when they reach us. What sort of a world have we created? How do we sleep at night? How has Gulwali turned out to be such a forgiving, generous, balanced adult - he challenges us all to look at ourselves and question our attitudes and actions, or inactions. Thanks Gulwali.
March 25, 2020
This book changed the way I think about refugees - that’s why I’ve given it 4 stars . It’s not written terribly well & there are grammatical mistakes and at least one double up of wording . It’s not a piece of flowing literature . But it’s a true story and the content kept me interested and intrigued at this boy’s plight .
I am a migrant myself and had grandparents gain entry to my new country via refugee status . A journey with no comparison to Gulwali’s . Yet when I saw the news years ago of all the migrants trying to get into Europe I thought : why ? There is not enough space in the uk. Why can’t they just stay where they come from & sort their country out or live somewhere else in the Islamic world . (Don’t judge - it was a reflex inner response ). I then saw through research that many migrants for instance are actually making a really positive effect on the German economy for having moved there , and are hard workers and grateful for opportunities. Sure it can take away jobs from native born UK residents but why aren’t they trying to take those lowly jobs in the first instance ? (Because it’s beneath them , too hard or easier to sit at home on the dole getting a handout they are entitled to ).
Anyway , my heart was moved as I realised that we are all humanity - one group spread around the world and it is no one’s fault if they are born into a war torn state and have to seek refuge in a safer country . Let’s see each other as humans , equal , and be prepared to share the goodness that a safe country has to offer , for anyone else that seeks it .
I also loved Gulwali’s sharing of his faith that is so genuine and pure and has guided him . I am sure his God is mine too.
I am inspired to work with refugees in the future .
Thank you Gulwali. And thank you to all on his journey who helped him. Let’s all try to be a person that stands out in someone’s life for having been kind, open, approachable and caring .
I am a migrant myself and had grandparents gain entry to my new country via refugee status . A journey with no comparison to Gulwali’s . Yet when I saw the news years ago of all the migrants trying to get into Europe I thought : why ? There is not enough space in the uk. Why can’t they just stay where they come from & sort their country out or live somewhere else in the Islamic world . (Don’t judge - it was a reflex inner response ). I then saw through research that many migrants for instance are actually making a really positive effect on the German economy for having moved there , and are hard workers and grateful for opportunities. Sure it can take away jobs from native born UK residents but why aren’t they trying to take those lowly jobs in the first instance ? (Because it’s beneath them , too hard or easier to sit at home on the dole getting a handout they are entitled to ).
Anyway , my heart was moved as I realised that we are all humanity - one group spread around the world and it is no one’s fault if they are born into a war torn state and have to seek refuge in a safer country . Let’s see each other as humans , equal , and be prepared to share the goodness that a safe country has to offer , for anyone else that seeks it .
I also loved Gulwali’s sharing of his faith that is so genuine and pure and has guided him . I am sure his God is mine too.
I am inspired to work with refugees in the future .
Thank you Gulwali. And thank you to all on his journey who helped him. Let’s all try to be a person that stands out in someone’s life for having been kind, open, approachable and caring .
September 30, 2016
Eye-opening. Many questions were answered on how people-trafficking is made possible. It sheds light on the culture shock that a 12 year old boy from a religious background would face, going from a house where he is the little king and can boss his female relatives around, to being helped by female social workers along his journey to the UK. The book is written almost as a diary with no great literary finesse, but it is a good read and educational.
April 23, 2017
Four stars because the book was an engaging account of life in a powerful Afghani family and what happens when that power is taken away. Much of the story is about the selfishness, greed, and cruelty of immigration smugglers. I was disappointed in the author's judgement and blame of the United States for problems in the Middle East when most of the book clearly describes strife caused from people, cultures, and ideology completely removed from America.
February 25, 2018
A moving and very emotional journey of Gulwali from his home country of Afghanistan to the UK. I was drawn in from the first sentence and the book really opened my eyes to what horrific situations refugees go through, especially reading about the unbearable conditions of the camp is Calais. It really made me reflect upon my own life and how lucky I truely am. A very thought provoking read.
February 3, 2021
Wow, what an Odyssey. Highly recommend this book. Debates on the refugee crisis will always be polarizing, and this book provides an honest glimpse into the existing horrors. 🇦🇫
August 30, 2018
I was torn between giving this book three or four stars, but ultimately it was a three star read for me. I was incredibly surprised by how easy of a read this was, and I think it's accessibility is one of the best aspects of this. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a bit more about the Middle East, refugees, or really just wants to try getting into nonfiction.
However, I did wind up thinking that the writing was not particularly great (although not terrible either) and the story lacked a certain amount of depth that I appreciate in memoirs. It was descriptive without being very analytical, and I did wind up wanting more from it. Overall, a worthwhile read, but I don't think one that will be sticking with me.
However, I did wind up thinking that the writing was not particularly great (although not terrible either) and the story lacked a certain amount of depth that I appreciate in memoirs. It was descriptive without being very analytical, and I did wind up wanting more from it. Overall, a worthwhile read, but I don't think one that will be sticking with me.
November 22, 2018
The author’s story of a his journey aged twelve year fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan. This is not a cheerful book but it is an important one. It does not hold back on the horrific truth of the refugee journey and I found its comments on culture particularly interesting. I probably only don’t give it a five because I am comparing it to ‘Dont tell me you’re afraid’ which is a similar story and one of my favourite books ever.
April 5, 2019
A powerful and hopeful account .
This young man was incredibly brave and resourceful as he walked from Afghanistan to Europe and eventually England . The last chapters showed that in spite of extreme hardship and loss the author maintained his humanity and honor and brave heart . Everyone should read this book ... young and old alike . In our political climate , this book is a lesson in humanity , kindness and human dignity .
This young man was incredibly brave and resourceful as he walked from Afghanistan to Europe and eventually England . The last chapters showed that in spite of extreme hardship and loss the author maintained his humanity and honor and brave heart . Everyone should read this book ... young and old alike . In our political climate , this book is a lesson in humanity , kindness and human dignity .
April 7, 2017
A powerful and harrowing true story. Whatever I imagined the journeys of refugees might be like, it never matched this boy's year of hell in the hands of ruthless traffickers, brutal police, and a greedy boat-owner. Anyone who has swallowed the tabloid lies about asylum seekers being scum ought to read this book and learn something of the truth. Recommended.
February 20, 2021
Such a gripping, eye-opening, emotional and very necessary read. This quote stood out to me because it highlights the injustice of the way refugees are mistreated or, at the very least, regarded with some level of suspicion:
“It wasn’t my fault I wasn’t born in Europe. My home was a war zone—did that somehow make me less human?”
Thank you Gulwali for telling your remarkable story.
“It wasn’t my fault I wasn’t born in Europe. My home was a war zone—did that somehow make me less human?”
Thank you Gulwali for telling your remarkable story.
September 20, 2018
Very eye opening read! I definitely did not realize the extent of suffering refugees go through. Terribly sad.
February 8, 2022
Giving this 5 stars because I really appreciate the perspective and understanding this book gave me.
I have read books about war-torn counties, and even refugees, but never had I read a book from the perspective of a 12-year-old refugee from Afghanistan.
I also hadn’t read a book before where the presence of the United States wasn’t welcomed/didn’t save the day. I think it was really good to understand that more, even if it was painful.
I also really appreciate how this book better helped me to understand that human smuggling and trafficking are about money: and that hate and racism or other negative emotions aren’t as in play as much as greed and indifference in these situations.
I also felt like I learned more about what life was like under the Taliban and how it’s presence was welcomed by many good, desperate people because of the chaos that has occurred before. This book also really makes you think about culture and how a child’s perspective and values is taught in overt and subtle ways.
Mostly though, I thought about my life as a mother and how unimaginable it is to think of sending my babies into the world on their own to find a new life without me: the strength and desperation are hard for me to wrap my head around.
I have read books about war-torn counties, and even refugees, but never had I read a book from the perspective of a 12-year-old refugee from Afghanistan.
I also hadn’t read a book before where the presence of the United States wasn’t welcomed/didn’t save the day. I think it was really good to understand that more, even if it was painful.
I also really appreciate how this book better helped me to understand that human smuggling and trafficking are about money: and that hate and racism or other negative emotions aren’t as in play as much as greed and indifference in these situations.
I also felt like I learned more about what life was like under the Taliban and how it’s presence was welcomed by many good, desperate people because of the chaos that has occurred before. This book also really makes you think about culture and how a child’s perspective and values is taught in overt and subtle ways.
Mostly though, I thought about my life as a mother and how unimaginable it is to think of sending my babies into the world on their own to find a new life without me: the strength and desperation are hard for me to wrap my head around.
March 25, 2018
While in a Turkish prison "this was the first time I've used a western-style toilet. The type you sit upon."
This book helped me better grasp and understand the plight suffered by refugees escaping horrific war-torn areas such as Afghanistan. Although I can't say that I see eye-to-eye with the author on every issue, the book was well written, informative, and entertaining.
I can only empathize knowing that I would also probably want to leave such a miserable place and take my family with me. If I knew that my family was faced with near certain death or slavery (as many Afghans were subject to by the Taliban as conscripted militants) then I would pack up and leave. Nothing else would matter.
Although we have a duty and responsibility to help others in need (such as helping house and feed desperate refugees), we also have our own rights to the safety and security of our homes and families. There is no doubt that mass migration, including that of refugees bring along with it a lot of crime. Also, every nation has the right to defend it's borders and control who is admitted onto their soil. A mass influx of poor, untrained, or uneducated migrants can cause severe economic problems and societal challenges. There is no simple way to handle a refugee crisis.
The author describes punishments being rendered by the Taliban Vice and virtue police and spoke of witnessing a woman being stoned to death after having been accused of committing adultery.
Along his journey through Afghanistan, Iran, turkey, Greece, Italy, France, and eventually the UK, the author experiences the world of human smuggling in the Middle East. He was passed along, back and forth for several months through the hands of people who were abusive and exploitative and others who were very kind and generous.
Although he had a hard knock life I seriously doubt that the author was as mature at the age of 12 in the story as he made himself appear to be. Otherwise, perhaps he was not as young as he claimed to be, and the doubts expressed by many were perhaps understandable. It's even possible that he was lied to or was told to falsify his age in attempt to receive better treatment or improve his luck in avoiding deportation.
Up until the time that the author was sent away from his home in Afghanistan he had been raised and surrounded by family members and other individuals who were sympathetic to the Taliban and angry at the Coalition war effort. However, he was sent away by his mother due to the threats and urging from his peers and members of the Taliban who tried to force him to join the Taliban against the Northern Alliance and the coalition. He was even asked to become a suicide bomber or "martyr".
The author didn't seem to appreciate the reasons behind and the US invasion of Afghanistan and the great sacrifices suffered by those soldiers who were sent there. He even described feeling hatred towards the UK due to their alliance with the United States in the war in Afghanistan. At his age he was probably not aware that, had it not been for material assistance from the U.S. during the 1980's, he and his family and community would have been made subjects to the USSR and their lives, assuming they had survived the crushing Soviet invasion and colonization, would have been very different.
Throughout the book he blamed the Americans for the death of his father but also admitted that since he was not present at the time his father was killed, had no idea how his father was killed or who killed him. U.S. rules of engagement during the war prohibited U.S. troops to fire upon or intentionally kill civilians. Either his father was actively fighting along with the Taliban or just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He just as likely could have been killed by the Taliban or the northern alliance. Either way placing blame on U.S. troops is shortsighted.
There is no question that the Afghan war was a waste of American lives and American dollars. Keep in mind, Bin Laden was found, not in Afghanistan, but in Pakistan. In my view, the authors hostile attitude toward the U.S. which is shared by many in Afghanistan is proof alone that it would have been better for all coalition members had Afghanistan been left to implode under the rule of warlords and the Taliban. It did US no good..... no, not one bit of good.
Upon arriving to the UK the author described being defiant in the face of those who try to help him. He attempted suicide twice and described experiencing symptoms synonymous with PTSD which he probably had a severe form of.
Another rebuttal to the author...First World countries that buy products produced in a third world economy do not themselves contribute to poverty. They are only purchasing labor at the market cost of that particular country. It is only the leaders and policies of that particular country that are to blame for the poverty of their citizens.
"Bush says to Satan "Hey Satan, I need to make a phone call to Dick Cheney to see how the war is going." Satan replies, "Sure George, that will be $1 billion please." Bush isn't happy but he pays the money and makes the call. Tony Blair then goes up to Satan, "Hey Satan, I need to call the Queen in London just to check on the war." Satan says, "Sure Tony, no problem. That will be $1 billion please." Tony doesn't want to pay either, but what choice does he have? Finally, our glorious president Hamid Karzai goes up to Satan. "Hey Satan, I need to call Kabul to check on Kabul to check on how the invasion is going. Satan says, "No problem Hanid, that will be 50 cents please." Whan Hamid goes to use the phone, George Bush and Tony Blair rush up to Satan, "Satan Satan, why did you charge us a billion dollars and Karzai only 50 cents? It's not fair!" Satan turns to George and Tony, "Look guys, it's totally fair. Your phone in Washington and London, that is long distance. Hamid's is only a local call."
This book helped me better grasp and understand the plight suffered by refugees escaping horrific war-torn areas such as Afghanistan. Although I can't say that I see eye-to-eye with the author on every issue, the book was well written, informative, and entertaining.
I can only empathize knowing that I would also probably want to leave such a miserable place and take my family with me. If I knew that my family was faced with near certain death or slavery (as many Afghans were subject to by the Taliban as conscripted militants) then I would pack up and leave. Nothing else would matter.
Although we have a duty and responsibility to help others in need (such as helping house and feed desperate refugees), we also have our own rights to the safety and security of our homes and families. There is no doubt that mass migration, including that of refugees bring along with it a lot of crime. Also, every nation has the right to defend it's borders and control who is admitted onto their soil. A mass influx of poor, untrained, or uneducated migrants can cause severe economic problems and societal challenges. There is no simple way to handle a refugee crisis.
The author describes punishments being rendered by the Taliban Vice and virtue police and spoke of witnessing a woman being stoned to death after having been accused of committing adultery.
Along his journey through Afghanistan, Iran, turkey, Greece, Italy, France, and eventually the UK, the author experiences the world of human smuggling in the Middle East. He was passed along, back and forth for several months through the hands of people who were abusive and exploitative and others who were very kind and generous.
Although he had a hard knock life I seriously doubt that the author was as mature at the age of 12 in the story as he made himself appear to be. Otherwise, perhaps he was not as young as he claimed to be, and the doubts expressed by many were perhaps understandable. It's even possible that he was lied to or was told to falsify his age in attempt to receive better treatment or improve his luck in avoiding deportation.
Up until the time that the author was sent away from his home in Afghanistan he had been raised and surrounded by family members and other individuals who were sympathetic to the Taliban and angry at the Coalition war effort. However, he was sent away by his mother due to the threats and urging from his peers and members of the Taliban who tried to force him to join the Taliban against the Northern Alliance and the coalition. He was even asked to become a suicide bomber or "martyr".
The author didn't seem to appreciate the reasons behind and the US invasion of Afghanistan and the great sacrifices suffered by those soldiers who were sent there. He even described feeling hatred towards the UK due to their alliance with the United States in the war in Afghanistan. At his age he was probably not aware that, had it not been for material assistance from the U.S. during the 1980's, he and his family and community would have been made subjects to the USSR and their lives, assuming they had survived the crushing Soviet invasion and colonization, would have been very different.
Throughout the book he blamed the Americans for the death of his father but also admitted that since he was not present at the time his father was killed, had no idea how his father was killed or who killed him. U.S. rules of engagement during the war prohibited U.S. troops to fire upon or intentionally kill civilians. Either his father was actively fighting along with the Taliban or just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He just as likely could have been killed by the Taliban or the northern alliance. Either way placing blame on U.S. troops is shortsighted.
There is no question that the Afghan war was a waste of American lives and American dollars. Keep in mind, Bin Laden was found, not in Afghanistan, but in Pakistan. In my view, the authors hostile attitude toward the U.S. which is shared by many in Afghanistan is proof alone that it would have been better for all coalition members had Afghanistan been left to implode under the rule of warlords and the Taliban. It did US no good..... no, not one bit of good.
Upon arriving to the UK the author described being defiant in the face of those who try to help him. He attempted suicide twice and described experiencing symptoms synonymous with PTSD which he probably had a severe form of.
Another rebuttal to the author...First World countries that buy products produced in a third world economy do not themselves contribute to poverty. They are only purchasing labor at the market cost of that particular country. It is only the leaders and policies of that particular country that are to blame for the poverty of their citizens.
"Bush says to Satan "Hey Satan, I need to make a phone call to Dick Cheney to see how the war is going." Satan replies, "Sure George, that will be $1 billion please." Bush isn't happy but he pays the money and makes the call. Tony Blair then goes up to Satan, "Hey Satan, I need to call the Queen in London just to check on the war." Satan says, "Sure Tony, no problem. That will be $1 billion please." Tony doesn't want to pay either, but what choice does he have? Finally, our glorious president Hamid Karzai goes up to Satan. "Hey Satan, I need to call Kabul to check on Kabul to check on how the invasion is going. Satan says, "No problem Hanid, that will be 50 cents please." Whan Hamid goes to use the phone, George Bush and Tony Blair rush up to Satan, "Satan Satan, why did you charge us a billion dollars and Karzai only 50 cents? It's not fair!" Satan turns to George and Tony, "Look guys, it's totally fair. Your phone in Washington and London, that is long distance. Hamid's is only a local call."
July 5, 2025
this book took me a while to want to start, but was written in such a way that, despite the horrors and hardships gulwali endured, there was always an underlying optimism that made you want to turn to the next page. this book was my first time hearing a direct, personal account of the refugee crises from the middle east, and the story was quite eye opening. there are some incredible lessons intertwined throughout the book, such as love and brotherhood and kindness of humanity, but most of all, retaining love when everyone in the world seems to hate you. i would recommend everyone to read this book, simply because the journey this 12-year old boy managed to survive is so profound, you can’t help but wonder “what can i do to help?”
October 7, 2025
The kind of book that makes you question why you aren’t dedicating your life to the heart-breaking problems it sets out.
Also, totally redefines the typical terms — like “journey” or “refugee” or “displacement” or “asylum seeker” — associated with migration; all of these words feel fairly empty of meaning compared to the depth of difficulty associated with the experience, which this book vividly captures.
Also, totally redefines the typical terms — like “journey” or “refugee” or “displacement” or “asylum seeker” — associated with migration; all of these words feel fairly empty of meaning compared to the depth of difficulty associated with the experience, which this book vividly captures.
June 19, 2024
Astfel de cărți pentru mine sunt ca un dus rece, ce îmi dă de înțeles ca am o viață liniștită, plină cu de toate, și problemele minore pe care zic eu ca sunt critice, de fapt sunt floare la ureche comparând cu soarta altor popoare
March 3, 2022
No child should ever have to endure what Gulwali did! The plight of refugees makes me weep. The trauma that they experience as they seek for a better life is unfathomable.
May 17, 2024
Everyone should read this book. So inspiring.
June 15, 2025
What a journey this boy had. Gulwali is a great writer and makes you think throughout the whole book. I encourage anyone to read this who needs a better understand of being a refugee.
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